Conclusion of the 9th meeting of the ESNCH

Once again, the interest shown in this year's meeting of the ESNCH was very marked. A lot of registrations had been received from all over the world as well as scientific abstracts of a very high standard indeed. The leading experts in the field of neurosonology had been attending to discuss the recent developments in this area. Not only this, members of the study group "Vascular Ultrasound" and the Section of neurosonology of the DEGUM had been making their own contributions to the program with the results of their research. In fact, there was a unique convergence of know-how in neurosonology. A wide range of topics was covering basic research as well as clinical studies. The role of ultrasound in the management of the acute stroke and the prevention of stroke was chosen as main topic of the meeting. Several new aspects relevant to future clinical practice had emerged from the findings of a number of large clinical studies (i.e. NAIS, CLOTBUST), some of them to be presented for the very first time. In particular, the topic of sonothrombolysis had been discussed in depth, with the inclusion of animal models and clinical studies. Similar to the previous ESNCH Congresses teaching courses completed the program and there was an attractive poster award at the end of the meeting. An important aim of the meeting was to give fresh impetus to the field over and beyond the bounds of the meeting. A lot of time had hence been allotted to consensus meetings, involving those attending in the task of setting new standards and modifying the current ones. This afforded the opportunity of formulating new hypotheses and raising issues for future clarification. It was also a pleasure to meet up again with old friends. There was ample opportunity for this, given that the fringe program was most attractive und bounded to appeal to the accompanying persons as well. On behalf of the Executive Committee of ESNCH and my staff I want to say thank you for the pleasure of having had your company in Wetzlar.